HOFFMAN - Morrison Youth Institution will convert to an adult male prison facility beginning Jan. 7 due to a decrease in the youth population and a need for beds for adult offenders. The facility will remain medium custody. The conversion is expected to be complete Feb. 14.

Prison officials say there will be no correctional staff changes. However, correctional officers have received orientation for supervision of adult offenders. Approximately 270 young men, ages 18 to 21, who have been housed at Morrison will be transferred to other youth facilities throughout the state. A few 21-year-olds will remain at Morrison, as well as some 20-year-old inmates who will be separated from the rest of the population.

Bladen Youth Center in Elizabethtown was also recently converted to an adult male prison facility effective Nov. 1

Note: For more information about Morrison Youth Institution and its history, visit our website at www.doc.state.nc.us/DOP/prisons/morrison.htm

# # #